The DeShawn 'Hawk

Since someone asked for this below, here are genuine photos of the DeShawn 'Hawk. Sadly, the back view photo was "corrupted," and that's the only one that really lets you see that it's an actual mohawk, with a point at the bottom. For the record, while this hairstyle will be gone in the near future, he said he might grow something back for the start of next season.

The view from the front. (By Sports Bog)

For those asking about tonight's Gilbert/Kevin Durant video game event, it's from 6:30 till 9 or 10 at RUB BBQ in Manhattan. I don't know if common folk need invites or what, but the barbeque is supposed to be good, if you're into that kind of thing.

And in more Oleksiy Pecherov news...

For those asking for local Russian restaurant recommendations, he likes the Russia House on Connecticut Avenue. And you have to pronounce the second "c" in "Connecticut" to sound authentic.

The view from the side. (By Sports Bog)

For those wondering whether he grew up playing hockey, he did, along with team handball, volleyball and soccer. And in addition to all of those, he enjoys watching "tennis" and "box."

For those wondering who his favorite NBA players are, the answers are K.G., Dirk and Michael Jordan. For those wondering which posters adorned his wall as a youth, the answers are "old, old, old school, like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird. In Ukraine it's tough to find these post cards of NBA."

And for those wishing to indulge in a little late-June wishful thinking about Pecherov and his possible impact next year, here's some free-of-charge optimism from director of player development Harvey Grant, who's been working with Pech, who said he has no nicknames besides "Pech":

"One of the best [big man] shooters I've seen in a long time," Grant said. "Reminds me of Antawn Jamison when you rebound for him; you don't have to run all over, you get the ball and stand right next to the net."

"He's a foreigner, [Americans] think they can push him around, but he's got a little edge to him," Grant said. "Ohhhh yeah. Oh yeah. That's why I can't wait to see him practice up against Caron, Antawn, see what he's got then. He'll mix it up with anyone. I like that."